According to the International SPA Association (ISPA), the total number of visits to spas rose above 180 million—the highest number since the association has been recording the data in its U.S. Spa Industry Study, the annual findings of spa industry financial indicators.

Visits are estimated to have increased to 184 million in 2016, up from 179 million in 2015, 2.5%. The industry also continues to experience steady growth in overall revenue, locations and revenue per visit.

The ISPA Foundation commissioned PwC to conduct the study, which presents what is known as the Big Five: total revenue, spa visits, spa locations, revenue per visit and number of employees for the United States spa industry.

“We are thrilled to see our industry’s hard work and dedication to their craft truly pay off with more and more consumers enjoying spas,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees. “An increase in visits means a higher demand of their services, which gives us a very positive outlook for our businesses and professionals. As jobs are created to meet this demand, we will continue to promote the benefits of working in our wonderful industry.”

The rise in visits drove the total revenue to surpass its previously record-setting mark in 2016, increasing from $16.3 billion in 2015 to $16.8 billion (a 3.1% increase). Additionally, there was growth in the total number of locations throughout the country, increasing from 21,020 in 2015 to 21,260 in 2016 (1.1 percent increase).

“The numbers this year reflect a pleasing picture of steady growth in the industry. The key metrics are all continuing their upward trend and the numbers in employment highlight the importance of the spa industry to the US economy,” said Colin McIlheney, global research director for PwC.

With a modest increase in the overall number employees at 1.6% (365,200 in May 2017 up from 359,300 in 2016), there are currently 32,930 vacant positions for service providers in the spa industry.

The complete ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study will be released in September.

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